PDEA in Central Visayas warns of fake anti-narcotics agents

CEBU CITY –– Beware of fake anti-narcotics agents.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) is looking into reports that members of syndicates posed as law enforcers to rob their victims.

PDEA-7 Director Levi Ortiz said a resident of Cebu City fell on Sept. 17 into the trap of a syndicate, whose members introduced themselves as PDEA-7 agents.

The man was brought to a secluded area and was robbed of his belongings.

“We have received reports that these unscrupulous individuals arrest people in the guise of PDEA operatives. We are concerned since activities like this will destroy the name of PDEA,” Ortiz said in an interview.

He did not give more information about the incident, pending an investigation conducted by PDEA.

Ortiz advised the public to always ask for the badge and identification cards from those claiming to be PDEA agents.

Ortiz said PDEA-7 agents don’t usually wear uniforms when conducting anti-drug operations to avoid detection.

“In anti-drug operations, a suspect is not brought somewhere else because an inventory has to be conducted right away in the presence of barangay officials and other witnesses,” he said.

ZB